The EBTKSS. It's not a part of the MMMM. But, I'd like to again start up this swap, which I haven't done for well over a decade.

It's a one-way only trade. Near the end of the year, or just after the new year, after gathering up all of the extra seeds from all types of veggies, fruits and flowers (maybe things like garlic, too), I pack it all up into a medium ($16.10 for postage?) or large ($21.50 for postage?) USPS flat rate box. I then send it along to someone who likely has a fairly diverse collection of seeds. They take out what seeds they like, and put some of their collection back in. They'll need to get a flat rate box that the updated contents will fit into, and pay for postage...

to send it along to the next person, who will do the same, and pay for postage...

to send it along to the next person, etc...

I would hope that any participants would go through the contents in less than a week, and send it along to the next person quickly. Flat rate shipping takes 1-3 days, so the package should get to a new person in 10 days or less.

If anyone wants in, I will supply more details.

I am interested, is there a limit on how many you can put in the box?
If no limit, that would be a good way for me to reduce my inventory.

Ken4230 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 19, 2024 3:52 pm I am interested, is there a limit on how many you can put in the box?
If no limit, that would be a good way for me to reduce my inventory.

Yes. The medium boxes (there are two sizes/dimensions) are about 590 cubic inches, each. The large box is about 940 cubic inches. The limit is what you will spend on the one-way shipping.

And, for those desperate to reduce their inventory, there is no super gluing packs to the outside.

Count me in!

Interested. Can we put full packs of seed in or pre bag into small baggies? I purchased some large sets of seeds but with doing the MMMM may feel lazy about having to move into individual portioned baggies

Homegrwoninillinois wrote: ↑Mon Aug 19, 2024 9:06 pm Interested. Can we put full packs of seed in or pre bag into small baggies? I purchased some large sets of seeds but with doing the MMMM may feel lazy about having to move into individual portioned baggies

If enough people are going to participate, I'd like to see as many possible do so, which means not too much bagging on the others' part. Perhaps one small pack and one smallish bulk pack for each variety contributed. If no time or energy to do it, then a small bulk pack (in trying to fit as much as possible into the flat rate).


There is also going to be a lot of waiting time. I do not expect to send the package out until about the end of the year, so the second person receiving the package will most likely receive it in January.

I would be interested in participating

Old chef

Sounds like it could be a FUN time.

You can count me in

I'm interested. It sounds likee fun.

I'm in and @Tormato I appreciate you doing this. Not sure if many people here at TJ realize how much time and energy is spent managing a tomato swap. I don't have many varieties that it is hard to spell correctly. Mostly old heirlooms that I have grown for years. I am already up to more than 30 varieties (both saved and Bought) and still selecting. Think I am going to need a bigger box.

Ken4230 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2024 2:59 am I'm in and @Tormato I appreciate you doing this. Not sure if many people here at TJ realize how much time and energy is spent managing a tomato swap. I don't have many varieties that it is hard to spell correctly. Mostly old heirlooms that I have grown for years. I am already up to more than 30 varieties (both saved and Bought) and still selecting. Think I am going to need a bigger box.

You have ONLY 30+ varieties, and you think that you're going to REDUCE your inventory?

Others, explain the concept of swapping tomato seeds at TomatoJunction to Ken.

Give @Ken4230 a couple of years and that 30 will be 300 and starting to look like a decent size collection

Whwoz wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2024 7:14 am Give @Ken4230 a couple of years and that 30 will be 300 and starting to look like a decent size collection

One week in January may be all the time he needs. it is the EBTKSS.

Whwoz wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2024 7:14 am Give @Ken4230 a couple of years and that 30 will be 300 and starting to look like a decent size collection

I keep my seeds in a small suitcase, never counted but I may have 250 or more different varieties. Couldn't sleep the other night and started on 2025 grow-out. Filled 2 gallon Ziploc bags and thought I might need another.

Ken4230 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2024 7:43 am

Whwoz wrote: ↑Tue Aug 20, 2024 7:14 am Give @Ken4230 a couple of years and that 30 will be 300 and starting to look like a decent size collection

I keep my seeds in a small suitcase, never counted but I may have 250 or more different varieties. Couldn't sleep the other night and started on 2025 grow-out. Filled 2 gallon Ziploc bags and thought I might need another.

When you switch over to 5 gallon buckets, you have arrived.

The condensed version of the MMMM is...

you send legible return address...

and return postage...

I send back overstuffed bubble mailer...

and wreck your garden plans.

I have hosted something similar before and it was challenging to get people to mail on time and to not add crap seeds to the package. However, this group of people seems to be more dedicated and respectful and have more extensive seed inventories so more likely to go smoothly. It could be really fun as long as participants keep it moving and add the quality of seeds they would want to receive.

What happens if a SHARK gets in the pond?

NYTomatoNewbie wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 8:56 pm I have hosted something similar before and it was challenging to get people to mail on time and to not add crap seeds to the package. However, this group of people seems to be more dedicated and respectful and have more extensive seed inventories so more likely to go smoothly. It could be really fun as long as participants keep it moving and add the quality of seeds they would want to receive.

I don't really care, after it leaves here. (just kidding)

But, The Orca is listing to one side, and things need to be jettisoned.

Quint.

NYTomatoNewbie wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 8:56 pm I have hosted something similar before and it was challenging to get people to mail on time and to not add crap seeds to the package. However, this group of people seems to be more dedicated and respectful and have more extensive seed inventories so more likely to go smoothly. It could be really fun as long as participants keep it moving and add the quality of seeds they would want to receive.

What do you consider to be "crap seeds"? I'd like to avoid unintentionally sending crap seeds into swaps, but I honestly don't know what other tomato people consider to be crap.

Seven Bends wrote: ↑Wed Aug 28, 2024 1:12 am

NYTomatoNewbie wrote: ↑Tue Aug 27, 2024 8:56 pm I have hosted something similar before and it was challenging to get people to mail on time and to not add crap seeds to the package. However, this group of people seems to be more dedicated and respectful and have more extensive seed inventories so more likely to go smoothly. It could be really fun as long as participants keep it moving and add the quality of seeds they would want to receive.

What do you consider to be "crap seeds"? I'd like to avoid unintentionally sending crap seeds into swaps, but I honestly don't know what other tomato people consider to be crap.

For me , it would be...

Yellow Pear for a tomato
Cayenne for a pepper
Kentucky Wonder for a bean

...as examples.

Not so much crap, well maybe YP, but ultra common varieties, available just about anywhere.